Chapter 384

Stephanie knew this was true love—Sebastian never cared about how she’d changed. Just as she was about to pull away and sit back down, Sebastian’s grip tightened, pulling her closer. His lips kissed deep and lingering. Stephanie’s eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing—she knew she shouldn’t have pushed him so far. Up front, Elliot, being thoughtful, raised the partition.

“Stop it,” she pleaded and squirmed in his arms. She was afraid that if she moved any more, he’d not be able to control himself. Sebastian got what she was feeling and finally released her with a chuckle. “I wouldn’t dare go too far just yet.”

Stephanie’s face flushed bright red, her mind buzzing with a mix of embarrassment and lingering desire. He gently pressed his forehead to hers, his eyes softening. “Were you thinking about the Hart family just now?”

“I wasn’t trying to,” she replied quietly. The Hart family had hurt her deeply over the years, and those memories lingered whether she wanted them to or not. She tilted her head back a little, looking up at him with a hint of uncertainty. “Sebastian, will you always take my side…?”

“Take your side?” He raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Yeah,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Even if I did something to hurt Sofia, would you still be there for me?”

Understanding dawned in his eyes. He tightened his grip on her just a bit, feeling the weight of her question. The Hart family had always stood by Olivia, no matter what. And here, in the Giovanni family, Stephanie’s position felt eerily similar. He pulled back slightly, creating a small gap between them, and gave her forehead a gentle flick.

“Hey!” she protested, her hand flying to her forehead. She looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, a pout playing on her lips. It was a look that could melt even the hardest of hearts.

Sebastian felt a pang of affection. “You little troublemaker,” he thought with a soft smile. “Do you really think we would be blind? Or we’ll let you turn into someone like Olivia?”

Her eyes widened in surprise, and then understanding began to dawn. Neither Sebastian nor Lottie showed any special favoritism towards her and Sofia. They did pamper her and Sofia, but they also disciplined them when they made mistakes. Even with their usual affection, it wasn’t a shield against wrongdoing.

She hugged his lean waist, nestling closer. “You’re right,” she murmured. “Why are people so different?”

The Hart family had been standing by Olivia almost unconditionally for the past few years. It was clear they loved her deeply, having raised her themselves. But to outsiders, it sometimes seemed as if Olivia had some kind of hold over them. Allison arrived at the Hart residence. Amber was sprawled out in the living room as if she owned the place. Catlin’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of irritation flashing through them. The sight of this stranger, who barged in and acted like she was the queen of the house, was grating on her nerves.

Catlin’s mind raced with frustration as she thought about Olivia, whose condition had worsened after the beating. The mess she caused on the floor was the last straw. If Allison hadn’t been there, Catlin would have launched into a scathing tirade against Amber.

“Dr. Pierce, this way, please,” Catlin said, forcing a polite tone as she pulled her gaze away from Amber. She couldn’t afford to let her anger get the better of her. She led Allison briskly toward Olivia’s room.

But just as they reached the top of the stairs, Amber’s voice cut through the air. “So, are you planning to have the doctor check on your real son first, or your adopted daughter?”

It was clear Amber knew exactly why Catlin had brought a doctor. Even in this situation, Olivia was still a concern. Catlin shot Amber a glare. “Dr. Pierce is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology,” she snapped.

Amber let out a mocking chuckle. “Wow, you’ve already come up with an excuse to save your adopted daughter first, huh?”

“You…” Catlin sputtered, feeling her anger boil over. It was like nothing she said to Amber ever seemed right. If she disagreed, Amber would argue; if she agreed, Amber would still find something to nitpick. It was a never-ending cycle of frustration.

Amber added, “You really know how to be a mom, don’t you? Always worrying about your adopted daughter while ignoring your real son. If Olivia were a good girl, I’d keep quiet. But you’ve seen how she behaves.”

Catlin’s breath caught in her throat. “Enough,” she hissed. “Just stop.”

Amber sneered, “Why should I stop? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking. People in Long Harbor know Olivia is the most esteemed adopted daughter. Oh, maybe you and some lover had her and she’s your real daughter. Why else would you care so much?”

Catlin was so angry she could barely see straight. Amber folded her arms, her expression smug. “Look, if you don’t let the doctor see Tyler first today, I’m going to make a scene. I’ll see just how much Olivia can take before she breaks.”

“You…” Catlin’s voice trailed off as she struggled to contain her rage. She stopped herself abruptly, realizing she’d almost said too much.